Highlights from 2016

It’s that time of year already – here are our 2016 highlights (including the one we’ve kept secret!)

PR stunts: Yay or nay?

We all love a good PR stunt… unless they #fail.
What defines a successful PR stunt? They create positive attention AKA “buzz” with the right audience, and have a direct and unmistakeable link to your product.
Here we have a look at two – one that hit the mark, and another that fell well short of it.

Why the future of PR is not technology

The theme of this year’s Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) conference was communication innovation. However, the most consistent takeaway from the presentations was the future of public relations is not about technology.

Crisis: Reflecting on the Dreamworld disaster

It’s hard to imagine a more obvious crisis for a theme park than a fatal ride malfunction – however Dreamworld owners Ardent Leisure seemed underprepared when four people died on its Thunder River Rapids Ride.
Nothing will bring back those four lives, however, in its response, Ardent has made a bad situation worse and will have to work harder to repair the reputational damage in the months and years to come.
Here are some reflections on what lessons other companies can learn from the Dreamworld Disaster.